Precalculus: Mathematics for Calculus, 7th Edition

by
Stewart, James; Redlin, Lothar; Watson, Saleem

Chapter 11 - Section 11.1 - Parabolas - 11.1 Exercises: 1

Answer

1. A parabola is the set of all points in the plane that are equidistant from a fixed point called the foci and a fixed line called the directrix of the parabola

Work Step by Step

The line through the focus and perpendicular to the directrix is the axis of symmetry. The vertex of the parabola is located at the midpoint between the directrix and the focus along the axis of symmetry.